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Zwolle originated in the Middle Ages as a settlement on a sand ridge between the IJssel and the Overijsselse Vecht. This settlement grew into an important trading city in the Middle Ages. The fifteenth century was a century for Zwolle that was marked by an enormous flourishing due to the Hanseatic League. The transport of trade goods over the IJssel became increasingly important and Zwolle benefited from this. During the Eighty Years' War Zwolle was transformed into a fortified city. In thirteen years, the city got no less than twelve bastions, such as the Suikerberg and the Badhuiswal. You can still find these bastions in Zwolle today. Until the beginning of the 19th century, much attention was paid to improving the fortifications, but after that it became clear that the works no longer had any purpose. The city walls and gates were then demolished, so that there was room for further expansion of the city. All that remained was the Sassenpoort and the bastions. The Sassenpoort in particular is now a well-known image in Zwolle.